Shri Chandrasekhara Ashtakam Stotram

Shri Chandrasekhara Ashtakam Stotram (literally meaning "Eight Verses to Lord Chandrasekhara") is a moving devotional hymn composed by Sage Markandeya.

According to Puranic tradition, Markandeya was destined to die at the young age of 16. As Yamaraja (the god of death) arrived with his noose to claim Markandeya's life, the young boy embraced the Shiva Lingam tightly and sang these 8 verses praising Lord Shiva as Chandrasekhara (the Lord adorned with the crescent moon).

Pleased by Markandeya's unswerving faith, Lord Shiva emerged from the Lingam, kicked Yamaraja (Kalasamhara), and granted Markandeya eternal youthfulness (Chiranjeevi).

Each verse ends with the powerful plea: "Candraśekhara Candraśekhara Candraśekhara Pāhi Mām" ("O Lord Chandrasekhara, protect me! What can Yamaraja do to me?").

Concluding Prayer

Om Namah Shivaya!
Chandrasekhara Chandrasekhara Chandrasekhara Pahi Mam |
Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah ||

O Lord Chandrasekhara! Protect me, protect me, protect me! When You are my protector, what can Yamaraja do to me?

Om Shanti! Shanti! Shanti!

• Verse 1: O Chandrasekhara! Anointed with sandalwood, destroyer of Kama, protect me!
• Verse 2: O Chandrasekhara! Destroyer of 5 great sins, holding Ganga in matted locks, protect me!
• Verse 3: O Chandrasekhara! Worshipped by devas and sages, granting boons to Markandeya, protect me!
• Verse 4: O Chandrasekhara! Ruler of world order, holding the bow of mountains, conqueror of time, protect me!
• Verse 5: O Chandrasekhara! Drinking the Halahala poison, granting fearlessness to Markandeya, protect me!
• Verse 6: O Chandrasekhara! Destroying Yama's noose and staff, consort of Gauri, protect me!
• Verse 7: O Chandrasekhara! Praised by Vedas and Puranas, lord of Kashi, protect me!
• Verse 8: O Chandrasekhara! Lover of Sama Veda, carrying devotees across samsara, protect me!
• Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Reciting near Shiva instantly destroys all past sins.

Spiritual Significance

The Chandrasekhara Ashtakam is the ultimate anti-fear prayer:

1. Markandeya Boon: Verses 3 and 5 commemorate Lord Shiva granting Abhaya (fearlessness) and eternal life to Markandeya.
2. Kalasamhara: Celebrates Lord Shiva as the conqueror of Yama (Kala-Pasa-Bhayankaram Krura-Yama-Danda-Nivaranam).
3. Crescent Moon Symbolism: The crescent moon (Chandra) on Shiva's head symbolizes the mind being brought under spiritual control.

According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Chandrasekhara Ashtakam grants the following blessings:

• Conquering Fear of Death (Mrityu Bhaya Nashana): Grants freedom from fear of death and accidents.
• Grant of Longevity and Health (Ayush Prada): Bestows long life, physical vitality, and freedom from incurable diseases.
• Attainment of Shivaloka: Grants residence in Lord Shiva's eternal presence.
• Protection from Yama and Evil Energies: Shields against negative planetary impacts and evil spirits.

Candraśekharāṣṭakam-Idaṃ Puṇyaṃ Yaḥ Paṭhet-Śiva-Saṃnidhau ।
Tasyāmutra-Kṛtaṃ Pāpaṃ Tat-Kṣaṇādev-Naśyati ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this holy Chandrasekhara Ashtakam in the presence of Lord Shiva will have all past sins instantly destroyed. They will be freed from the fear of death and attain Shivaloka.

1. When should Chandrasekhara Ashtakam be chanted?

During illness, periods of acute fear, Mondays, and Shivaratri.

2. Can people suffering from chronic diseases chant this?

Yes! Markandeya's prayer is traditional for regaining health, vitality, and longevity.